Matthew 25 In Action: “Community Love Day” at New Mercy Church Brings Grace to the Streets of Hackensack

The Matthew 25 Initiative reminds us that the heart of the gospel is not found only in words, but in action—in how we live, how we love, and how we serve. New Mercy Community Church in Hackensack, New Jersey, embodies this calling powerfully through its beloved ministry: Community Love Day. This vibrant, grassroots outreach aligns beautifully with all three focus areas of the Matthew 25 Initiative: Building Congregational Vitality, Dismantling Structural Racism, and Eradicating Systemic Poverty.

Born From Love, Grown Through Service

Five years ago, Community Love Day began with a simple goal: to let neighbors know they were seen, valued, and loved. What started as a humble act of kindness has since evolved into one of New Mercy’s most meaningful and impactful ministries.

Throughout the year, the congregation collects gently used clothing, household goods, canned food, school supplies, small appliances, and children’s toys. These donations culminate in a daylong event—a completely free flea market open to anyone in need. But the heart of Community Love Day goes beyond material support; it is a celebration of shared humanity, compassion, and faith.

More Than Donations: A Day of Fellowship and Faith

On Community Love Day, volunteers serve free meals—hot dogs, hamburgers, and cold drinks—and offer prayer to any guest who asks. The prayer station is often the most transformative space, where stories of struggle and resilience surface and where a simple prayer or moment of listening becomes a lifeline.

Volunteers consistently report being just as moved as the guests they serve. They return year after year, reminded that small acts of love, offered freely, can echo deeply in the lives of others.

A Testament to Unity and Partnership

A special highlight of this ministry is its collaboration with First Presbyterian Church of Hackensack, who generously share their space each year. This ecumenical partnership is a witness to the power of Christian unity—congregations coming together across traditions to serve a common mission.

This partnership doesn't just provide logistical support—it’s a living example of congregational vitality, as the local body of Christ models what it means to walk and work together in the name of Jesus.

Matthew 25 in Action

• Building Congregational Vitality: Through year-round preparation and multi-church collaboration, Community Love Day energizes the church’s mission and fosters deeper relationships among its members.
• Dismantling Structural Racism: By creating an open, welcoming space for all—regardless of race, income, or background—the event challenges stigmas and uplifts the dignity of each guest.
• Eradicating Systemic Poverty: Providing essential items, food, and access to prayer in a time of economic uncertainty offers real, immediate support while affirming the worth of every person.

A Living Witness of God’s Love

Community Love Day stands as a living testament to the belief that love in action changes lives. It is a reminder that ministry doesn’t always happen in sanctuaries—it often takes root in parking lots, under tents, and across folding tables filled with generosity.

In Hackensack, neighbors come not just for items, but for connection, care, and community. And in serving, New Mercy Church and its partners are transformed too.

As we continue to live into the call of Matthew 25, may we all be inspired by the simplicity and power of what New Mercy has built: a day, a space, a ministry—where grace meets need, and where the love of God is made visible, one act of kindness at a time.

To learn more, visit www.newmercy.church.

Visioning Teams Near Completion of Report, Set Final Gathering for August

Discernment and Visioning Teams Gather to Align Vision, Define Priorities, and Shape the Synod’s Future

The Synod’s Discernment and Visioning Teams gathered July 21–22 for a pivotal two-day meeting focused on deepening alignment around the evolving vision of the Synod. Building on over a year of prayerful work, community conversations, and collaborative discernment, the teams came together to finalize pillar recommendations and chart the path toward implementation. This meeting marked one of the final steps before releasing a comprehensive report that will guide the Synod’s next chapter.

The gathering opened with a joint devotion and a reflective recap of the Synod’s visioning journey, grounding the teams in the Spirit and in shared purpose. The afternoon was dedicated to the final presentation of the seven pillar teams, with each group offering 30-minute presentations on their area of focus:

• Communication and Storytelling
• Theology and Spiritual Formation
• Governance
• Collaboration
• Grants
• Regional Learning
• Stewardship and Finance

Each report included proposed actions, alignment with the overall vision, and next steps. The evening continued with clarifying questions, followed by a time of devotion and rest.

The following day opened with a morning devotion and a budget overview, ensuring the financial sustainability of proposed recommendations. Teams then engaged in a collaborative review of all pillar proposals—identifying key resonances, concerns, and priorities. Small groups met in Vision Discernment and Alignment Dialogues, carefully assessing clarity, purpose, theological grounding, timelines, and evaluative criteria. This collective reflection laid the foundation for refining the report with both integrity and imagination.

In addition to evaluating programmatic recommendations, the group also recommended slight changes to the new Synod logo. Work also began on developing the internal structure of the Synod moving forward, including identifying which functions should be carried out by commissions, committees, task forces, or special teams. These early decisions will help shape a governance structure that is both flexible and aligned with the Synod’s priorities of collaboration, justice, and faithful witness.

The afternoon turned toward implementation. Teams discussed rollout strategies, celebratory moments to honor the work ahead, and presentation plans for sharing the vision across the Synod. The gathering closed in prayer and thanksgiving for the Spirit’s movement throughout this process.

Next Steps:

The Discernment and Visioning Teams will reconvene August 25–27 to finalize their report and prepare for its presentation. Their work represents two and a half years of faithful listening, collaborative dreaming, and theological reflection. As the Synod moves toward adoption and rollout, we are filled with hope that this vision will not only guide internal structures and systems.



Stay tuned for more updates as we prepare to share the final report and invite the broader community into this next phase of faithful transformation.

Webinar: Christian Nationalism and the Threat to Faithful Christianity

Amanda Tyler, executive director of BJC and lead organizer of Christians Against Christian Nationalism, will discuss how Christian nationalism, a political ideology merging American and Christian identities, is a threat to and a distortion of Christian faith and witness.

Amanda Tyler is executive director of BJC (Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty), leading the organization as it upholds the historic Baptist principle of religious liberty: defending the free exercise of religion and protecting against its establishment by government. The author of How to End Christian Nationalism (October 2024), Tyler is also the co-host of BJC’s Respecting Religion podcast. Tyler’s constitutional law analysis and advocacy for faith freedom for all have been featured by major news outlets, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, CBS News, ABC News, CNN, and MSNBC, and she has testified before Congress on religious liberty and Christian nationalism. A graduate of Georgetown University and The University of Texas School of Law, she lives in Dallas with her husband and son.

Community Organizing Cohort with Rev. Patrick O’Connor

We are excited to announce the launch of our Community Organizing Cohort, led by the esteemed Rev. Patrick O’Connor of First Presbyterian Church in Jamaica, NY. This unique initiative is designed to create a collaborative environment where pastors, leaders, and community advocates can come together to delve into the principles and practices of grassroots organizing through the lens of faith. Rev. O’Connor, known for his extensive experience and unwavering passion for social justice, will guide participants in connecting their spiritual convictions with actionable steps for justice and transformation. Whether you are just beginning your journey in organizing or looking to enhance your existing skills, this cohort promises to equip you with practical tools, foster spiritual grounding, and connect you with a supportive network of like-minded individuals. Join us as we work together to build power for lasting change in our communities.

NY State Advocacy Day

Friday, October 24, 2025

1:00 PM  4:00 PM

First Presbyterian Church

315 North Cayuga Street

Ithaca, NY, 14850

Connection to Transformation

Building a Partnership Culture in Faith Communities Conference

A Collaborative Conference with the New York State Council of Churches

The Synod of the Northeast, in collaboration with the New York State Council of Churches, is excited to present:

Connection to Transformation: Building a Partnership Culture in Faith Communities Conference

Saturday, October 25, 2025

9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

First Presbyterian Church

315 N. Cayuga Street

Ithaca, New York

This gathering will bring together ecumenical and interfaith pastors, lay leaders, organizers, and community advocates from across the Central and Western New York region to explore how transformational partnerships can emerge when faith communities center connection, collaboration, and mutuality. Through worship, storytelling, interactive workshops, and keynote conversations, participants will reflect on how churches can move beyond transactional relationships toward deeper engagement that reflects the love and justice of Christ in our small towns and rural communities.

Whether you serve in a local congregation, a nonprofit ministry, or an ecumenical initiative, this conference will offer tools and inspiration for building a culture of authentic partnership rooted in shared purpose and faith.

Join us as we listen, learn, and reimagine the future of the Church and the communities we are called to serve. Together, we move from connection to transformation.